The Summit Project honors Maine’s fallen heroes with annual trek

HERMON, Maine (WABI) – Since Memorial Day 2013, the Summit Project has been honoring the lives of Maine heroes with an annual trek and family weekend to Baxter State Park in Millinocket.

We caught up with the motorcycle convoy today as they made a pit stop in Hermon.

“We look forward to this day all year long,” explained The Summit Project Founder, David Cote. “It’s finally here and on Memorial Day weekend, we as a group as the Summit Project family have a special way of honoring and sustaining the memories of fallen service members from Maine.”

In only five years, the lives of fallen men and women in the post 9/11 era here in Maine have been honored by the Summit Project.

They call themselves a living memorial.

“We have a duty. We have an obligation. We have a responsibility to not take our blessings for granted and to give something back to our communities,” explained Cote.

“Is there anyone else that would like to carry a stone that hasn’t assigned one yet?”

Over Memorial Day weekend, 36 hikers will climb a summit in Baxter State Park.

With every step they take, they’ll remember the name on the over 75 stones that are being carried.

“There are a lot of men and women from Maine that went and deployed overseas and didn’t come back home and it’s our job to keep those memories alive,” said Cote.

Unlike other projects around the country, The Summit Project allows these riding to honor our fallen heroes through action.

Starting with a motorcycle ride from Portland to Millinocket.

“The first ride I went on, I was so moved. Everybody was just giving it their all,” explained Mike Bagley of the Red Knights Chapter III. “The closer you get to Millinocket the more emotional it gets, and it gives you a feeling and you’ll never feel anything like it again.”

On Sunday, the surviving families will share their stories, while having their loved one recognized for their ultimate sacrifice.

Many here, know what that is like, and they say this is just a small way for them to give back.

“That’s what we do,” said Buddy Hatt, President of the Red Knights Chapter III. “We support the vets ad it means a lot.”

The Tribute Trek Launch will take place Sunday, May 27th at Twin Pines Campground in Millinocket beginning at 7am.

For more information on The Summit Project visit: https://thesummitproject.org/.

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The Summit Project is proud to say that we are a tax-exempt, 501(c)3, non-profit, charity organization. All donations after Dec 18, 2013 are eligible for tax exemption! Here is our TSP-IRS Determination letter. All donations are used to achieve the mission of The Summit Project.